In order to encourage the targeted retrieval of space-based information and data by disaster risk reduction practitioners, content on the Portal is systematically enriched with metadata. For instance, data sources are marked up with data about their file type, satellite/sensor and spatial coverage and whether they relate to the disaster risk management or emergency response phase. The tool features a range of filters that draw on the metadata, thereby allowing users to narrow down their search, for example, filtering available GIS software by hazard type. This ensures that users efficiently find the content that is most relevant to them. At the same time, the Portal encourages the discovery of resources related to those accessed by the user, by providing links to them on the same page. This allows for contextualisation and highlights links between resources from different areas that other platforms may display in an isolated fashion. A dynamic glossary, which means that terms in any text on the website will automatically be linked to corresponding glossary entries, helps in developing a shared understanding of key.
Application field:
The Knowledge Portal represents a gateway to space-based information for disaster management and emergency response. It features content such as case studies and best practices in using space-based information in disaster risk reduction efforts and the implementa- tion of the Sendai Framework. Stakeholders from the disaster risk management, emergency re- sponse and space communities can access relevant information about one another on the plat- form, as well as information on cross-cutting issues and opportunities for effective collaboration.
Methodology:
The Portal presents data and information generated by the space and disaster management communities through four channels: The Space Application Matrix is a search engine for scientific papers and technical reports, which allows content to be filtered according to criteria such as space technology and hazard type. Users can access an overview of the efforts of the disaster risk management and emergency repose communities through a dedicated section on Risk and Disasters. The Links and Resources page includes information on databases and GIS software, as well as training opportunities and institution profiles. Finally, the Recommended Practices page offers hands-on instructions on using space-based information for mapping hazards such as floods or droughts through various stages of the disaster management cycle.
Key results:
The platform facilitates access to space-based information. It also fosters awareness of how products and applications developed by the space community can support disaster risk reduction efforts and, in a complementary fashion, how the disaster risk reduction and emergency response communities work and what space-based information they could benefit from
Impact:
Centralisation and categorisation of information and data set available on multiple websites - in order to help disaster risk management professionals find relevant space-based data and information products quickly and to provide support on how to use this information in the context of DRR.
Publications:
UNOOSA/UN-SPIDER (2014). Report on the UN-SPIDER Knowledge Portal: recent advances (2014). Available at http://un-spider.org/sites/default/files/AC105_1075E.pdf.
Application maturity:
Geographic scope:
Sendai priorities:
Sendai global targets:
Risk component:
Hazard type:
